Oviedo Gymnasium & Aquatic Facility554

One of the best kept secrets of the UCF and Oviedo area, the Oviedo Gymnasium & Aquatic Facility offer some of the best family recreation around.

By far, the most popular feature during the summer months is the kids Splash Zone, a mini-waterpark that includes a large twisty waterslide (children must be 48 inches tall without shoes to ride), water playground with mini-slides for toddlers, and other water features. Kids can also run wild through the (unheated) shallow water pool.

The Splash Zone's capacity is 66 people. Once capacity is met, families can place their names on a waiting list and then play in the adjoining Big Kahuna pool, an Olympic-sized swimming pool that offers lap swimming, recreational swimming areas, and even squirting water. A lifeguard will come into the Big Kahuna area to call for families once spots open in the Splash Zone.

The Splash Zone is opens for the season in April, and is open on weekends only through May. From early June through mid-August, the Zone is open every day. Visit www.cityofoviedo.net for a current schedule.

A 2-Month Pool Pass is also available: Oviedo residents pay $50-$75; non-residents pay $90-$150. Note that an Oviedo Resident is someone who lives within the corporate city limits of Oviedo, it does not include those who simply have an Oviedo mailing address.

The center also offers plenty of covered tables and chairs. Outside food and drink is prohibited inside the facility; a pool-side concession offers a variety of snacks, meals, and "kid-friendly" selections for purchase.

If you're looking for air-conditioned fun, just hop into the gymnasium, which offers plenty of open gym time, youth leagues, summer programs that include volleyball camp, basketball camp, and adventure camp, and a rock wall for climbing. A small concession stand is also located at the entrance to the gym.

Restrooms and changing rooms are clean and easily accessible from the pool area; though there is just one shower in the outside restrooms, there are more located inside the main locker rooms in the building. Baby changing areas are also available in the restrooms.

Parties: All new party packages and catering are available. Visit the website or call for more information or to reserve a date.